Method and system for detecting a poor cooling environment of an ultrasound scanner

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound scanners that are initialized and placed to the side in a sterile bag for use in a sterile environment may suffer overheating and cut out early, because the bag represents a poor cooling environment. The rate of increase in temperature of a scanner is monitored and a determination is made as to whether the scanner is in a regular environment or a poor cooling environment. If the scanner is in a poor cooling environment, the scanner is switched from a regular state of operation to a poor cooling state of operation. In the poor cooling state of operation, the scanner settings consume less power and generate less heat on the whole than the regular scanner settings. The scanner reverts to higher power settings as and when needed to perform the desired scan. The user interface on an associated display device also changes in response to the scanner entering the poor cooling state of operation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to ultrasound scanners. In particular, it relates to systems and methods for detecting whether an ultrasound scanner is in a poor cooling environment.

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound is a useful, non-invasive imaging technique capable of producing real time images. Ultrasound imaging has an advantage over X-ray imaging in that ultrasound imaging does not involve ionizing radiation.

Mobile ultrasound scanners, including app-based ultrasound scanners, require a screen-like add-on device that acts both as a display and a control device. Examples of these add-on devices are mobile phones, tablets, laptop or desktop computers. When using current cart-based and laptop-based ultrasound systems, physicians and/or other ultrasound operators are required to operate the system from a separate touchscreen or keyboard.

In situations such as in a surgical operating theatre, an ultrasound scanner is often initialized, set up for the particular procedure and then placed to the side inside a sterile bag or in a cover, while the remaining preparations take place before the surgery starts. The remaining preparations may be those that are more important to carry out as late as possible before incisions are made in the patient. When needed for scanning, the scanner can be used in the bag or cover as-is, because the bag or cover does not significantly degrade the obtained ultrasound images provided sufficient gel or other coupling agent is used. While it is more convenient to place the scanner in a sterile bag or cover than to sterilize the scanner, a problem that can occur is that the scanner overheats and cuts out before the operation starts, or before sufficient ultrasound scans have been obtained.

There is therefore a need for a solution that allows for convenient use of an ultrasound scanner in a sterile environment while reducing the effect of overheating. In particular, there is a need for improved systems and methods for detecting a poor cooling environment of an ultrasound scanner and acting to mitigate it.

The above background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention. The embodiments discussed herein may address and/or ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks identified above. The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as restricting the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a scanner in a bag, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a graph of temperature against time of a scanner in a poor cooling environment (upper trace) and a regular cooling environment (lower trace).

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system with a scanner and a display for the scanner, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for detecting whether a scanner is in a poor cooling state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a user interface shown on a display connected to a scanner in a regular state of operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a user interface shown on the display of FIG. 5A when the scanner has switched to a poor cooling state of operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a graph of the rate of change of temperature against time of a scanner in a poor cooling environment (upper trace) and regular cooling environment (lower trace).

FIG. 7 is a graph of temperature against time of a scanner that switches from a higher power scanner setting to a lower power scanner setting and then back to the higher power setting, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Glossary

The term “operator” may refer to the person that is operating an ultrasound scanner (e.g., a clinician, medical personnel, a sonographer, ultrasound student, ultrasonographer and/or ultrasound technician).

The term “module” can refer to any component in this invention and to any or all of the features of the invention without limitation. A module may be a software, firmware or hardware module, and may be located, for example, in the scanner, the interface, a network, a display device or a server.

The term “network” can include both a mobile network and data network without limiting the term's meaning, and includes the use of wireless (e.g. 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, WiFi™, WiMAX™, Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus), Zigbee™, Bluetooth™ and satellite), and/or hard wired connections such as local, internet, ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable modem, T1, T3, fiber-optic, dial-up modem, television cable, and may include connections to flash memory data cards and/or USB memory sticks where appropriate. A network could also mean dedicated connections between computing devices and electronic components, such as buses for intra-chip communications.

The term “poor cooling state of operation” refers to a state of operation of a scanner when the scanner has determined that it is in a poor cooling environment.

The term “poor cooling environment” refers to an environment that does not allow for a scanner to be cooled so that it can be kept below its maximum operating temperature. Examples of poor cooling environments include in a bag, under a cover, or outdoors or in a tent in hot weather.

The term “processor” can refer to any electronic circuit or group of circuits that perform calculations, and may include, for example, single or multicore processors, multiple processors, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and dedicated circuits implemented, for example, on a reconfigurable device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). A processor may perform the steps in the flowchart, whether they are explicitly described as being executed by the processor or whether the execution thereby is implicit due to the steps being described as performed by code or a module. The processor, if comprised of multiple processors, may have its component processors located together or geographically separate from each other. The term includes virtual processors and machine instances as in cloud computing or local virtualization, which are ultimately grounded in physical processors.

The term “regular state of operation” or “regular cooling state of operation” refers to a state of operation of a scanner when the scanner is operating as if it were in a regular cooling environment, e.g. a normal environment.

The term “regular cooling environment” refers to an environment that provides adequate cooling to the scanner so that it does not overheat beyond its maximum operating temperature. For example, a regular cooling environment may be in a hospital or other clinical environment that is air conditioned or temperature controlled.

The term “settings” refers to values of parameters, configurations or particular modes of a scanner. Some settings may be the same in both the regular state of operation and the poor cooling state of operation, and other settings may be different. Some settings may control when the scanner switches from a higher power setting to a lower power setting.

The term “system” when used herein, and not otherwise qualified, refers to a system for determining whether a scanner is in a poor cooling environment or a regular cooling environment, the system being a subject of the present embodiments.

B. Exemplary Embodiments

Referring to FIG. 1 , an example scanner 10 is shown in a sterile bag 12, as often used for obtaining ultrasound scans in a surgical operating theatre. The bag may be considered more broadly to be a form of cover.

Referring to FIG. 2 , shown there is a graph of the temperature 20 against time of a scanner 10 in a regular cooling environment, such as outside of a sterile bag 12. Time (shown as a lowercase ‘t’) is shown on the horizontal axis and temperature (shown as an uppercase ‘T’) is shown on the vertical axis. The graph also shows the temperature 22 against time of the same scanner 10 in a poor cooling environment, such as, for example, inside the sterile bag 12. When not in a bag 12 (e.g., in a regular cooling environment) the temperature 20 of the scanner rises from T₁ to T_(R) in time Δt, and may not rise to the maximum allowable operating temperature T_(m) of the scanner 10. In contrast, when the same scanner 10 is in a poor cooling environment, such as in a sterile bag 12, the temperature 22 may rise faster. When the scanner 10 is in a bag 12, the temperature 22 of the scanner 10 may, for example, rise from T₁ to T_(P) in the same time Δt, where T_(P)>T_(R). As the scanner continues to function in the poor cooling environment, the temperature 22 may rise to the maximum allowable operating temperature T_(m) of the scanner 10 in time t₁. If the ultrasound scanner 10 did not have any temperature protection, its temperature may continue to rise above T_(m) afterwards and possibly malfunction.

As can be seen from the graph in FIG. 2 , the temperature rise over the time interval Δt is greater when the scanner 10 is in the poor cooling environment than when it is in the regular cooling environment. Even if the initial temperature of the scanner 10 is different in the two cases (regular cooling environment and poor cooling environment), the different temperature increases over the same time interval Δt may still be indicative of the different cooling environments.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an exemplary system 30 is shown for detecting a poor cooling environment of a scanner 10.

The scanner 10 may include a processor 32, which may be connected to a computer readable memory 34 storing computer readable instructions 36, which, when executed by the processor 32, can cause the scanner 10 to provide one or more of the functions of the system 30. Such functions may be, for example, the detection of a poor cooling environment or a regular cooling environment that scanner 10 can be operating in, and/or the change of one or more scanner settings in response to such detection. In some embodiments, the computer readable memory 34 may be non-transitory.

Also stored in the computer readable memory 34 may be computer readable data 38, which may be used by the processor 32 in conjunction with the computer readable instructions 36 to provide the functions of the system 30. Computer readable data 38 may include, for example, settings for the scanner 10, such as preset parameters for each detected cooling environment of the scanner 10. Settings may also include any other data that is specific to the way that the scanner 10 operates.

The scanner 10 may include a temperature sensor 40, which is connected to the processor 32. The processor 32 may repeatedly receive or obtain signals from the temperature sensor 40 and, with this information and using a timer in the processor 32, calculate the rate at which the temperature of the scanner 10 is changing.

In other embodiments, there may be multiple temperature sensors 40 located in different positions inside the scanner 10. In this case, the temperature inside the scanner 10 may be determined separately for each sensor location or an average taken amongst the multiple temperature sensors.

The processor 32 may be connected to a multi-axis motion sensor or an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 42 which, for example, may include a combination of a 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope that detects movements of the scanner 10. The IMU 42 may send signals representing such movements to the processor 32. Signals from the IMU 42 may be used to modify or control various functions of the scanner 10 and/or the display device 50 that is connected to the scanner 10.

The scanner 10 may include one or more physical switches and/or buttons 43. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 3 , there is one button 43, which may be used by an operator of the scanner 10 to provide one or more inputs to the system 30. Such inputs may be, for example, commands to navigate between selectable options displayed on the display device 50, selection of a preset option displayed on the display device 50, the input of alphanumeric information relating to a patient, the adjustment of the gain of the displayed ultrasound media, the adjustment of the depth of the displayed ultrasound media, freezing a video media of an ultrasound scan, and/or the change of the mode or settings of the system 30.

In some embodiments, the scanner 10 may also include a communications module 44 connected to the processor 32. The communications module 44 may wirelessly transmit signals to and receive signals from the display device 50 on wireless connection 46. The protocol used for communications between the scanner 10 and the display device 50 may be WiFi™ or Bluetooth™, for example, or any other suitable two-way radio communications protocol. The scanner 10 may operate as a WiFi™ hotspot, for example.

The display device 50 may be, for example, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a smart phone, a watch screen, spectacles with a built-in display, a television, a bespoke display and/or any other display that is capable of being connected to the scanner 10. The display device 50 may host a screen 52 and may include a processor 54, which is connected to a computer readable memory 56 storing computer readable instructions 58, which, when executed by the processor 54, cause the display device 50 to provide one or more of the functions of the system 30. Such functions may be, for example, the detection of a poor cooling environment or a regular cooling environment of the scanner 10, and the change of one or more scanner settings in response to such detection. In some embodiments, the computer readable memory 56 may be non-transitory. In various embodiments, the display device 50 may be a multi-use display device that executes generic operating systems such as Windows™, iOS™ or Android™, and the functions for connecting to and communicating with the scanner 10 may be provided in the form of an application or ‘app’ that executes on such operating systems.

Also stored in the computer readable memory 56 may be computer readable data 60, which may be used by the processor 54 in conjunction with the computer readable instructions 58 to provide the functions of the system 30. Computer readable data 60 may include, for example, settings for the scanner 10, such as preset parameters for each detected cooling environment of the scanner 10, and/or settings for a user interface displayed on the screen 52. Settings may also include any other data that is specific to the way that the scanner 10 operates and/or that the display device 50 operates.

It can therefore be understood that the computer readable instructions and data used for controlling the system 30 may be located either in the computer readable memory 34 of the scanner 10, the computer readable memory 56 of the display device 50, or both the computer readable memories 34, 56.

The display device 50 may also include a communications module 62 (e.g., a network interface) connected to the processor 54. When the computer readable instructions 58 are executed, the communication module 62 may be configured to communicate with the scanner 10. In various embodiments, the communication module 62 may permit either wired or wireless communication with the scanner 10. As shown in the illustrated example, communications module 62 is shown as providing wireless communications, so that it may wirelessly transmit signals to and receive signals from the scanner 10 on wireless connection 46.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a flowchart for detecting whether an ultrasound scanner is in a poor cooling state or a regular cooling state is shown. In step 70, the scanner 10 may be initialized, meaning that it can be switched on, booted up, and the scanner settings that are appropriate for the procedure at hand selected. If necessitated by the procedure, the scanner 10 may be placed into a sterile bag.

After the initialization step 70, the scanner 10 may enter its default state, in which the scanner 10 is configured to be is in a regular cooling state of operation (act 72). The default (initial) state of operation may be based on a presumption that the scanner 10 is operating in a regular cooling environment (e.g., so that the optimal imaging performance may be provided).

At this point, just after being switched on, it may be difficult to determine whether the scanner 10 is in a poor cooling environment or a regular cooling environment because the thermal mass of the scanner 10 may cause the temperature rises in the two environments to be indistinguishable. Furthermore, the scanner 10 may be placed inside the bag after the initialization, so until this point, the scanner 10 may rise in temperature according to its presence in a regular cooling environment. A time delay is therefore needed to allow the cooling capacity of the particular environment in which the scanner 10 is in to have an effect on the rate at which the temperature of the scanner 10 is rising.

In step 74, the temperature T₁ of the scanner 10 may be measured, for example by the processor 32 reading a signal produced by the temperature sensor 40. Temperature T₁ may be the initial temperature of the scanner 10. In step 76, the processor 32 in the scanner 10 may be configured to wait a period of time Δt, which is sufficient for the environment of the scanner 10 to have a measurable effect on the rate of temperature rise of the scanner 10. The duration of Δt may vary in various embodiments. In some example embodiments, Δt may be configured to be 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds.

After waiting for the period Δt, the temperature of the scanner 10 may be measured again, in step 78, for example by the processor 32 reading a signal produced by the temperature sensor 40, resulting in a later temperature T₂ of the scanner 10.

Now, with the two values of the temperature T₁ and T₂, and knowing the length of the time interval Δt, the rate of rise of the temperature of the scanner (dT/dt) can be calculated in step 80. This may be done, for example, by evaluating (T₂−T₁)/Δt.

In step 82, the processor 32 in the scanner may determine whether dT/dt is above a threshold. The threshold may be a fixed threshold, and/or it may depend on a given scanner's settings, since different scanner settings may consume differing amounts of power and generate differing amounts of heat, and as a result cause different rates of temperature increase.

The threshold may also differ for different scanner models. For example, certain scanner models that image at higher frequency (e.g., models designed to scan more superficial portions of the body such as linear scanners for imaging vascular or musculoskeletal (MSK) clinical applications) may potentially increase in temperature more quickly than scanner models that image at relatively lower frequency (e.g., models designed to scan deeper tissue such as curvilinear or phased array scanners for imaging the abdomen or cardiac clinical applications).

If there are potentially multiple thresholds that are simultaneously applicable, then the largest one may be selected. However, other rules for determining a composite threshold may be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the threshold may depend on the initial temperature of the scanner 10. For example, if the temperature of the scanner 10 is somewhat high, then the threshold may be lower than it would be if the initial temperature of the scanner 10 were lower. If the scanner 10 has been used for a prior procedure, then the threshold for the current procedure may then depend on the current temperature of the scanner 10 rather than the initial temperature.

If dT/dt is not above the threshold, then the scanner 10 is heating up normally, and can be deemed to be in a regular cooling environment. If this is the case, the process reverts to step 72, in which the scanner 10 retains its settings for the regular cooling state of operation. The process then continues, with T₁ and T₂ then being measured anew.

If, however, the value of dT/dt is above the threshold, as determined in step 82, the scanner 10 may be deemed to be in a poor cooling environment. As a result, in step 84, the scanner 10 may switch its settings to those that are appropriate for a poor cooling environment: e.g., it switches to a poor cooling state of operation.

Since the rate of temperature increase may be resulting from power consumption on the scanner 10, examples of a poor cooling state of operation may include configuring various settings of the scanner 10 to reduce power consumption. This may include slowing down the processor 32, adjusting management of a battery in the scanner 10, lowering frame rate of acquired ultrasound images, and/or lowering line density in acquired ultrasound images.

In some embodiments, the scanner 10 may already be provided with a power savings mode that automatically performs some of these actions to conserve power. However, when the scanner 10 determines it is to operate in a cooling state of operation, it may alter the regular operation of the power savings mode of the scanner 10 to act more speedily. For example, the regular power savings mode may be configured to have a timer for determining a period of inactivity, after which, the scanner switches from a regular setting to another, lower power setting. In the poor cooling state of operation, the period of inactivity necessary to trigger the change from the first setting to the second, lower power setting, may be reduced to a smaller duration or it may be reduced to zero.

For example, in some embodiments, the first, higher power setting may be a live imaging mode and the second scanner setting may be a freeze mode (e.g., so that the scanner 10 times out to a freeze mode sooner in the poor cooling state of operation than when in the regular cooling state of operation). Additionally or alternatively, the first scanner setting may be a higher power imaging mode (e.g., with a higher frame rate and/or higher line density) and the second scanner setting may be a lower power imaging mode (e.g., with a lower frame rate and/or lower line density); and the scanner 10 may time out from the first mode to the second mode sooner in the poor cooling state of operation than when in the regular cooling state of operation. A further example may be that the first scanner setting may be a freeze mode and the second scanner setting may be a hibernation mode; and the scanner 10 may time out from the freeze mode to the hibernation mode sooner in the poor cooling state of operation than when in the regular cooling state of operation.

In various embodiments, the timing out due to inactivity that may prompt the switching from a higher power-consuming setting to a lower power-consuming setting may be determined in various ways. For example, in one example, the scanner 10 may switch from the first higher, power-consuming setting to the second lower power-consuming setting if the system 10 determines the scanner 10 is creating blank image, which is indicative of the scanner 10 being idle and not yet performing any clinically relevant imaging.

In various of the aforementioned example, when the scanner 10 has been switched to a second lower, power-consuming setting due to the period of inactivity having been exceeded, the scanner 10 may then switch back to the first, higher power-consuming setting, upon detecting various events. For example, one such event is that it has been picked up or moved, as may be detected by the IMU 42 inside the scanner 10. Additionally or alternatively, when the scanner 10 has been switched to a second setting due to the period of inactivity having been exceeded and the scanner is still actively imaging (e.g., just in a lower frame rate), the scanner 10 may then switch back to the first, higher power setting upon detecting that it is in contact with a patient. In various embodiments, this may be achieved by detecting a pattern of motion by the IMU 42 that is indicative of the scanning motion normally applied to a scanner 10 by the operator of the scanner 10, or by detecting a scanning orientation of the scanner 10. Additionally alternatively, if the second lower, power-consuming setting is one where there is still active imaging (e.g., just at a lower frame rate), the determining that contact has been made with a patient may result from determining that the ultrasound image is no longer blank.

As noted above, the determination at act 82 that the temperature rise is above a threshold may indicate the scanner 10 may be operating within a sterile bag 12 (as shown in FIG. 1 ). Additional or alternative to modifying various settings to reduce power consumption, operation in the poor cooling state of operation may also include configuring settings of the scanner 10 to allow for better or easier operation of the ultrasound system 30 in a sterile bag 12. For example, if the ultrasound scanner 10 can be operated with a fan for cooling purposes, operating in the poor cooling state of operation may include switching off a fan in the scanner 10 since airflow within the sterile bag 12 may be limited.

In some additional examples, when the scanner 10 is placed in the sterile bag 12, this usually indicates that the operator has sterilized his hands and they may not want to provide touch or tactile input on the non-sterile display device 50 that is connected to the scanner 10. Thus, the scanner 10 may infer this requirement when in the poor cooling state of operation so as to provide user input mechanisms different from the touch or tactile input typically required on the display device 50. For example, this may include user inputs via the button 43, the IMU 42 and/or another user interface in or on the scanner 10 and not via the display device 50.

For example, when the scanner settings are set to those for a poor cooling state of operation, this may involve the processor 32 sending a signal indicative of the poor cooling state of operation to the display device 50. Upon receiving the signal of the poor cooling state of operation, the display device 50 may change a user interface element displayed on the display device 50 in response to receiving the signal indicative of the poor cooling state of operation. Differences in the user interface provided on the display device 50 when the scanner 10 in the regular cooling state of operation versus when the scanner 10 is in the poor cooling state of operation are further discussed below in relation to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Referring back to FIG. 4 , in step 86, the processor 32 in the scanner 10 may make a thermal analysis of the scanner 10, which may involve repeatedly measuring the temperature of the scanner 10 and determining whether it is steady, increasing or decreasing; and if increasing or decreasing, how fast it is increasing or decreasing. Performing this analysis may involve repeatedly performing acts 74-80 (as shown in dotted lines to and from step 86 in FIG. 4 ) to determine temperature changes and/or rates of temperature changes, similar to the analogous acts being performed when the scanner 10 is in the regular cooling state of operation.

In step 88, the processor may determine whether the heat generated by the scanner 10 is being well or poorly dissipated. In other words, the scanner 10 may determine again whether it is in a regular cooling environment or a poor cooling environment. Instantaneous dT/dt values may be used and/or averages of dT/dt may be used in the analysis, for example. In some embodiments, the thermal analysis may include using the temperature and the rate of change of temperature to calculate a projected steady state temperature of the scanner 10. Determining whether the heat generated by the scanner 10 is well or poorly dissipated may be based on whether the projected steady state temperature is respectively below or above the maximum operating temperature T_(m) of the scanner 10 (as shown in FIG. 1 ).

If the heat generated by the scanner 10 is being well dissipated, then it can be assumed that the scanner 10 is now in a regular cooling environment, and the scanner 10 is switched from the poor cooling state of operation back to the regular state of operation, the process reverting to step 72.

If the heat generated by the scanner 10 is being poorly dissipated, then the scanner 10 is still in a poor cooling environment. If this is the case, then the process reverts to step 84, in which the scanner 10 continues to operate in the poor cooling state of operation, and thermal analysis continues in step 86.

In some embodiments, more sophisticated analyses may be performed to determine whether the temperature of the scanner 10 is rising too rapidly, in steps 86-88 and/or in steps 74-82.

Referring to FIG. 5A, an example of a user interface 90 is shown displayed on the screen 52 of a display device 50 that is connected to a scanner 10, which is operating in the regular cooling state. The user interface 90 includes an image 94 of an ultrasound scan and one or more user interface buttons 96-99. These buttons include, for example, a button 96 for freezing the image, a button 97 for changing the mode of operation of the scanner 10, a button 98 for adjusting the gain of the scanner 10, and a button 99 for adjusting the depth of the ultrasound image 94 being acquired. In various embodiments, various other buttons or user interface controls may be displayed as part of the user interface 90. The presence of buttons 96-99 requires use of some of the screen area so that the size of the image 94 is not necessarily as large as it could be. The buttons 96-99 need to be large enough for convenient and accurate activation by the operator of the scanner 10, and so they should be configured to be at least be large enough for ease of activation. When the display device 50 is small, such when the display device 50 is a smart phone, then the size of the buttons 96-99 could have an effect on the area available for the image 94, and may therefore be configured to be smaller in size.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the screen 52 of the display device 50 is now showing user interface 90A, for an embodiment where the scanner 10 is configured to provide non-tactile or non-touch user interface elements when it is operating in the poor cooling state of operation. As noted above, in some embodiments, it may be inferred from the scanner 10 being placed into a poor cooling state of operation that the scanner 10 is in a sterile bag 12 and the operator may want to operate scanner 10 without providing touch or tactile input into the display device 50. This may be because the display device 50 may not necessarily need to be sterile during a procedure, and it is desirable for operation of the scanner 10 to proceed without the display device 50 being touched after the initial set-up. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the displayed image 94A may be larger than image 94 shown in FIG. 5A. Also, in the illustrated example, the buttons 96-99 have been replaced with a notification 100 having a stop symbol 102 and a message to the operator to use the scanner 10 for control.

Additionally, by allowing use of only the scanner 10 for user inputs (e.g., detection of motion by the IMU 42 when the scanner 10 is picked up by the operator), the switching of the scanner settings back from those of lower power consumption to those of a higher power consumption may be delayed until the last possible moment before imaging is needed by the operator. This may help to keep the heat generated by the scanner 10 to a minimum, and to extend the period of usage of the scanner 10 before it reaches its maximum operating temperature.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a graph is shown plotting rates of change of temperature of a scanner 10 over time. As shown, there is an example rate of change of temperature 110 of a scanner 10 over time in a regular environment, and an example rate of change of temperature 112 of the scanner 10 over time in a poor cooling environment. In both environments the rates of change of temperature 110, 112 are positive (e.g., above zero), indicating a temperature rise. However, in the regular cooling environment, the rate of change of temperature 110 drops more rapidly than the rate of change of temperature 112 for the poor cooling environment. This indicates that the rate of temperature increase 110 slows over time when the scanner 10 is in the regular cooling environment (so that the scanner 10 does not heat up as quickly). In contrast, the rate of temperature increase 112 over time when the scanner 10 is in the poor cooling environment does not drop as quickly (so that the scanner 10 continues to heat up over time).

In the illustrated graphs of FIG. 6 , eventually, the rate of change of temperature 110 may fall to zero as the scanner 10 reaches thermal equilibrium with the regular cooling environment and the scanner 10 ceases to increase in temperature. However, the rate of change of temperature 112 of the scanner 10 in the poor cooling environment may not reach zero as the temperature of the scanner 10 continues to rise and reach its maximum operating temperature, so as to trigger safety a sensor that causes the scanner 10 to turn off to prevent damage. As it can be seen from the graph, the average rate of temperature change <dT/dt>_(R) for the regular cooling between times t=0 and t₂ is lower than the average rate of temperature change <dT/dt>_(P) for the poor cooling environment for the same time interval. Since <dT/dt>_(P) is higher than <dT/dt>_(R), the scanner 10 will have undergone higher rates of increase in temperature over the same time interval, and thus will be hotter and have a higher temperature at time t₂ when the scanner 10 is in the poor cooling environment versus when it is in the regular cooling environment.

FIG. 7 shows temperature T against time t of a scanner 10 in a further embodiment. As shown, the scanner 10 may complete its initialization at time t=0 and enter the default regular state of operation. At time t₃, the scanner 10 may determine that it is in a poor cooling environment because the temperature of the scanner 10 is rising rapidly, as shown in section 116 of the temperature graph in FIG. 7 . As a consequence, the scanner 10 may switch to a poor cooling state of operation. As discussed above, this switching may involve changing the scanner settings from those of a higher power to those of a lower power, and/or other actions. Operating in the poor cooling state of operation may cause the scanner's temperature to rise more slowly, as shown by section 118 of the temperature graph in FIG. 7 . Time t₁ (originally shown in FIG. 2 ) corresponds to the time at which the scanner 10 would have heated to its maximum operating temperature T_(m) had it stayed in its regular state of operation. However, by lowering the rate of temperature rise of the scanner 10 when operating in the poor cooling state of operation, the scanner 10 can remain in operation beyond the time t₁.

While the scanner 10 remains in the poor cooling state of operation (e.g., when the scanner 10 is in the sterile bag 12), it may be desired for the scanner 10 to be switched back to parameters where it is scanning using optimal parameters (e.g., to assist with identifying tissue in a procedure). At time t₄, the scanner 10 then receives an input that it is to be used for obtaining a scan, for example by an operator of the scanner 10 picking up the scanner 10 (e.g., such motion being detected by the IMU 42). In response to detecting that a scan is required, the scanner settings may be switched back to those of a higher power consumption to allow for scanning using optimal imaging parameters, while the scanner 10 may remain in the poor cooling state of operation.

The temperature of the scanner 10 may then begin to rise more rapidly again as shown in section 120 of the temperature graph of FIG. 7 to the temperature at time t₅. If the scan is only for a limited period of time, it may be detected that the scanner 10 is not being used to actively image (e.g., through detection of a blank image of through non-motion of the scanner 10 as detected by the IMU 42), then the scanner 10 may again revert back to the lower power-consumption settings, so that the temperature T again slows in its rise. As noted above, the time duration of inactivity needed to trigger the reversion back to the lower power consumption setting may be shorter (or zero) in the poor cooling state of operation as compared to when in the regular cooling state of operation. In this manner, the likelihood of the scanner 10 reaching the maximum operation temperature T_(m) (and the safety sensor being triggered) is reduced, and the scanner 10 may remain available for use by the operator for a longer period of time.

C. Variations

Variations of the embodiments described herein are possible.

In some embodiments, mechanisms other than the button 43 (as shown in FIG. 2 ) may be used to provide operator input to the scanner 10. For example, these mechanisms may include using voice control (e.g., using voice assistants such as Apple™ Siri™, Google Assistant™ and/or Amazon™ Alexa™). For example, the scanner 10 may be fitted with a microphone so that voice commands can be input. Additionally or alternatively, a foot pedal may be connected to the scanner 10, either wired or wirelessly, so that the functions for the button 43 can be incorporated into the foot pedal.

In some embodiments, the screen 52 (as shown in FIG. 2 ) may be part of another medical system that is already on-site where the ultrasound scan is to take place.

In some embodiments, the display device 50 may, as part of its user interface 90 (as shown in FIG. 5A), may have a button that can be activated to switch the scanner 10 to a poor cooling state of operation.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented using specifically designed hardware, configurable hardware, programmable data processors configured by the provision of software (which may optionally include ‘firmware’) capable of executing on the data processors, special purpose computers or data processors that are specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more steps in a method as explained in detail herein and/or combinations of two or more of these. Examples of specifically designed hardware are: logic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), large scale integrated circuits (“LSIs”), very large scale integrated circuits (“VLSIs”) and the like. Examples of configurable hardware are: one or more programmable logic devices such as programmable array logic (“PALs”), programmable logic arrays (“PLAs”) and field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”). Examples of programmable data processors are: microprocessors, digital signal processors (“DSPs”), embedded processors, graphics processors, math co-processors, general purpose computers, server computers, cloud computers, main computers, computer workstations, and the like. For example, one or more data processors in a control circuit for a device may implement methods as described herein by executing software instructions in a program memory accessible to the processors.

While processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times.

The embodiments may also be provided in the form of a program product. The program product may include any non-transitory medium which carries a set of computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a data processor, cause the data processor to execute a method of the invention. Program products according to the invention may be in any of a wide variety of forms. The program product may include, for example, non-transitory media such as magnetic data storage media including floppy diskettes, hard disk drives, optical data storage media including CD ROMs, DVDs, electronic data storage media including ROMs, flash RAM, EPROMs, hardwired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, or the like. The computer-readable signals on the program product may optionally be compressed or encrypted.

Where a component (e.g. software, processor, support assembly, valve device, circuit, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a “means”) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

In some embodiments, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail and repetitions of steps and features have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Screen shots may show more or less than the examples given herein. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

It is therefore intended that the appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions and subcombinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

D. Interpretation of Terms

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the following applies:

In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in the plural and vice versa with no loss of generality. The use of the masculine can refer to masculine, feminine or both.

The terms “comprise”, “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The terms “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof.

The words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present) depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicant wishes to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

E. Claim Support

Disclosed herein is a method for determining whether an ultrasound scanner is operating in a regular environment or a poor cooling environment, comprising: detecting, by a sensor, a temperature of the ultrasound scanner; obtaining from the sensor, by a processor, signals indicative of the temperature; measuring, by the processor, a rate of change of the temperature; comparing, by the processor, the rate to a threshold; in response to the rate being above the threshold, determining, by the processor, that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment; and in response to the rate being below the threshold, determining, by the processor, that the ultrasound scanner in the regular environment.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, sending, by the processor, a signal indicative of the poor cooling environment to a display device wirelessly connected to the ultrasound scanner.

In some embodiments, the display device changes a user interface element displayed on the display device in response to receiving the signal indicative of the poor cooling environment.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, switching the ultrasound scanner to a poor cooling state of operation in which the ultrasound scanner receives user inputs via an interface in or on the ultrasound scanner and not via the display device.

In some embodiments, the interface in or on the ultrasound scanner comprises an inertial measurement unit or a button.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment: switching off a fan in the ultrasound scanner; slowing down the processor; or adjusting management of a battery in the ultrasound scanner.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, switching the ultrasound scanner from a regular state of operation to a poor cooling state of operation, wherein: the ultrasound scanner enters the regular state of operation upon initialization of the ultrasound scanner; in the regular state of operation, the ultrasound scanner switches from a first scanner setting to a second scanner setting after a first duration of time, wherein the second scanner setting generates less heat than the first scanner setting; and in the poor cooling state of operation, the ultrasound scanner switches from the first scanner setting to the second scanner setting after a second duration of time, which is shorter than the first duration of time.

In some embodiments, the first scanner setting comprises a live imaging mode and the second scanner setting comprises a freeze mode; the first scanner setting comprises a higher power imaging mode and the second scanner setting comprises a lower power imaging mode; the first scanner setting has a higher frame rate than the second scanner setting; or the first scanner setting comprises a freeze mode and the second scanner setting comprises a hibernation mode.

In some embodiments, the second duration of time is zero.

In some embodiments, the threshold depends on the first scanner setting.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, detecting motion of the ultrasound scanner when the ultrasound scanner is set to the second scanner setting; and switching the ultrasound scanner from the second scanner setting to the first scanner setting upon detecting said motion.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, detecting contact of the ultrasound scanner with a patient when the ultrasound scanner is set to the second scanner setting; and switching the ultrasound scanner from the second scanner setting to the first scanner setting upon detecting said contact.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, when the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling state of operation: using the temperature and the rate of change of temperature to calculate a projected steady state temperature of the ultrasound scanner; and determining whether to switch the ultrasound scanner back to the regular state of operation depending on the projected steady state temperature.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, in the regular state of operation, displaying an ultrasound image with a first size; and in the poor cooling state of operation, displaying the ultrasound image with a second size that is larger than the first size.

In some embodiments, the poor cooling environment is a consequence of the ultrasound scanner operating in a cover.

In some embodiments, the threshold is dependent on a temperature of the ultrasound scanner when the ultrasound scanner is switched on.

In some embodiments, the threshold is dependent on a current temperature of the ultrasound scanner.

In some embodiments, the method comprises, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment: switching, by the processor, the ultrasound scanner to a poor cooling state of operation in which the ultrasound scanner switches from a first scanner setting to a second scanner setting upon detecting that the ultrasound scanner is creating a blank image, wherein the ultrasound scanner generates less heat in the second scanner setting than in the first scanner setting.

Also disclosed herein is an ultrasound scanner that determines whether it is operating in a regular environment or a poor cooling environment, the ultrasound scanner comprising: a temperature sensor; a processor; computer readable memory comprising computer readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor cause the processor to: obtain signals indicative of the temperature of the ultrasound scanner from the temperature sensor; measure a rate of increase of temperature; compare the rate to a threshold; in response to the rate being above the threshold, determine that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment; and in response to the rate being below the threshold, determine that the ultrasound scanner in the regular environment.

In some embodiments, when the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, the computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to send a signal indicative of the poor cooling environment to a display device wirelessly connected to the ultrasound scanner.

In some embodiments, the processor: in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, switches the ultrasound scanner to a poor cooling state of operation in which the ultrasound scanner receives user inputs via an interface in or on the ultrasound scanner and not via the display device.

In some embodiments, the interface in or on the ultrasound scanner comprises an inertial measurement unit or a button.

In some embodiments, the processor, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment: switches off a fan in the ultrasound scanner; slows down; or adjusts management of a battery in the ultrasound scanner.

In some embodiments, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, the processor switches the ultrasound scanner from a regular state of operation to a poor cooling state of operation, wherein: the ultrasound scanner enters the regular state of operation upon initialization of the ultrasound scanner; in the regular state of operation, the ultrasound scanner switches from a first scanner setting to a second scanner setting after a first duration of time wherein the second scanner setting generates less heat than the first scanner setting; and in the poor cooling state of operation, the ultrasound scanner switches from the first scanner setting to the second scanner setting after a second duration of time, which is shorter than the first duration of time.

In some embodiments, the first scanner setting comprises a live imaging mode and the second scanner setting comprises a freeze mode; the first scanner setting comprises a higher power imaging mode and the second scanner setting comprises a lower power imaging mode; the first scanner setting has a higher frame rate than the second scanner setting; or the first scanner setting comprises a freeze mode and the second scanner setting comprises a hibernation mode.

In some embodiments, the second duration of time is zero.

In some embodiments, the threshold depends on the first scanner setting.

In some embodiments, the processor: detects motion of the ultrasound scanner when the ultrasound scanner is set to the second scanner setting; and switches the ultrasound scanner from the second scanner setting to the first scanner setting upon detecting said motion.

In some embodiments, the processor: detects contact of the ultrasound scanner with a patient when the ultrasound scanner is set to the second scanner setting; and switches the ultrasound scanner from the second scanner setting to the first scanner setting upon detecting said contact.

In some embodiments, when the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling state, the processor: uses the temperature and the rate of change of temperature to calculate a projected steady state temperature of the ultrasound scanner; and determines whether to switch the ultrasound scanner back to the regular state of operation depending on the projected steady state temperature.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound scanner has fewer scanner settings in the poor cooling state than in the regular state.

In some embodiments, the threshold is dependent on: a temperature of the ultrasound scanner when the ultrasound scanner is switched on; or a current temperature of the ultrasound scanner.

In some embodiments, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, the processor switches the ultrasound scanner to a poor cooling state of operation in which the ultrasound scanner switches from a first scanner setting to a second scanner setting upon detecting that the ultrasound scanner is creating a blank image, wherein the ultrasound scanner generates less heat in the second scanner setting than in the first scanner setting.

In some embodiments, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, the processor switches the ultrasound scanner to a poor cooling state of operation in which the ultrasound scanner switches from a first scanner setting to a second scanner setting upon detecting that the ultrasound scanner is not moving, wherein the ultrasound scanner generates less heat in the second scanner setting than in the first scanner setting.

Further disclosed is an ultrasound scanning system comprising: a display device; and an ultrasound scanner that determines whether it is operating in a regular environment or a poor cooling environment, the ultrasound scanner wirelessly connected to the display device and comprising: a temperature sensor; a processor; computer readable memory comprising computer readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor cause the processor to: obtain signals indicative of the temperature of the ultrasound scanner from the temperature sensor; measure a rate of increase of temperature; compare the rate to a threshold; in response to the rate being above the threshold, determine that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment and sending a signal indicative of the poor cooling environment to the display device; and in response to the rate being below the threshold, determine that the ultrasound scanner in the regular environment and sending a signal indicative of the regular environment to the display device; wherein the display device displays: a first user interface when the ultrasound scanner is in the regular environment, wherein the first user interface accepts inputs from a user; and a second user interface when the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, wherein the second user interface does not accept user inputs.

In some embodiments, the second user interface comprises an instruction to use the ultrasound scanner for input.

In some embodiments, in the regular state of operation, the display device displays an ultrasound image with a first size; and in the poor cooling state of operation, the display device displays the ultrasound image with a second size that is larger than the first size. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for determining whether an ultrasound scanner is operating in a regular environment or a poor cooling environment, comprising: detecting, by a sensor, a temperature of the ultrasound scanner; obtaining from the sensor, by a processor, signals indicative of the temperature; measuring, by the processor, a rate of change of the temperature; comparing, by the processor, the rate of change of the temperature to a threshold; if the rate of change of the temperature is above the threshold, in response, determining, by the processor, that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment; and if the rate of change of the temperature is not above the threshold, in response, determining, by the processor that the ultrasound scanner is in the regular environment.
 2. The method of claim 1, comprising, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment: sending, by the processor, a signal indicative of the poor cooling environment to a display device wirelessly connected to the ultrasound scanner.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the display device changes a user interface element displayed on the display device in response to receiving the signal indicative of the poor cooling environment.
 4. The method of claim 3, comprising: in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, switching the ultrasound scanner to a poor cooling state of operation in which the ultrasound scanner receives user inputs via an interface in or on the ultrasound scanner and not via the display device.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the interface in or on the ultrasound scanner comprises an inertial measurement unit or a button.
 6. The method of claim 1, comprising, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment: switching off a fan in the ultrasound scanner; slowing down the processor; or adjusting management of a battery in the ultrasound scanner.
 7. The method of claim 1, comprising, in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, switching the ultrasound scanner from a regular state of operation to a poor cooling state of operation, wherein: the ultrasound scanner enters the regular state of operation upon initialization of the ultrasound scanner; in the regular state of operation, the ultrasound scanner switches from a first scanner setting to a second scanner setting after a first duration of time, wherein the second scanner setting generates less heat than the first scanner setting; and in the poor cooling state of operation, the ultrasound scanner switches from the first scanner setting to the second scanner setting after a second duration of time, which is shorter than the first duration of time.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein: the first scanner setting comprises a live imaging mode and the second scanner setting comprises a freeze mode; the first scanner setting comprises a higher power imaging mode and the second scanner setting comprises a lower power imaging mode; the first scanner setting has a higher frame rate than the second scanner setting; or the first scanner setting comprises a freeze mode and the second scanner setting comprises a hibernation mode.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the second duration of time is zero.
 10. The method of claim 7, comprising: detecting motion of the ultrasound scanner when the ultrasound scanner is set to the second scanner setting; and switching the ultrasound scanner from the second scanner setting to the first scanner setting upon detecting said motion.
 11. The method of claim 7, comprising: detecting contact of the ultrasound scanner with a patient when the ultrasound scanner is set to the second scanner setting; and switching the ultrasound scanner from the second scanner setting to the first scanner setting upon detecting said contact.
 12. The method of claim 7, comprising, when the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling state of operation: using the temperature and the rate of change of temperature to calculate a projected steady state temperature of the ultrasound scanner; and determining whether to switch the ultrasound scanner back to the regular state of operation depending on the projected steady state temperature.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the poor cooling environment is a consequence of the ultrasound scanner operating in a cover.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the threshold is dependent on a current temperature of the ultrasound scanner.
 15. An ultrasound scanner that determines whether it is operating in a regular environment or a poor cooling environment, the ultrasound scanner comprising: a temperature sensor; a processor; computer readable memory comprising computer readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor cause the processor to: obtain signals indicative of the temperature of the ultrasound scanner from the temperature sensor; measure a rate of change of temperature; compare the rate of change of temperature to a threshold; if the rate of change of the temperature is above the threshold, in response, determine that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment; and if the rate of change of the temperature is not above the threshold, in response, determine that the ultrasound scanner is in the regular environment.
 16. The ultrasound scanner of claim 15, wherein, when the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, the computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to send a signal indicative of the poor cooling environment to a display device wirelessly connected to the ultrasound scanner.
 17. The ultrasound scanner of claim 16, wherein the processor: in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, switches the ultrasound scanner to a poor cooling state of operation in which the ultrasound scanner receives user inputs via an interface in or on the ultrasound scanner and not via the display device.
 18. The ultrasound scanner of claim 15, wherein: in response to determining that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, the processor switches the ultrasound scanner from a regular state of operation to a poor cooling state of operation, wherein: the ultrasound scanner enters the regular state of operation upon initialization of the ultrasound scanner; in the regular state of operation, the ultrasound scanner switches from a first scanner setting to a second scanner setting after a first duration of time wherein the second scanner setting generates less heat than the first scanner setting; and in the poor cooling state of operation, the ultrasound scanner switches from the first scanner setting to the second scanner setting after a second duration of time, which is shorter than the first duration of time.
 19. The ultrasound scanner of claim 18, wherein the processor: detects motion of the ultrasound scanner when the ultrasound scanner is set to the second scanner setting; and switches the ultrasound scanner from the second scanner setting to the first scanner setting upon detecting said motion.
 20. An ultrasound scanning system comprising: a display device; and an ultrasound scanner that determines whether it is operating in a regular environment or a poor cooling environment, the ultrasound scanner wirelessly connected to the display device and comprising: a temperature sensor; a processor; computer readable memory comprising computer readable instructions, which, when executed by the processor cause the processor to: obtain signals indicative of the temperature of the ultrasound scanner from the temperature sensor; measure a rate of change of temperature; compare the rate of change of the temperature to a threshold; if the rate of change of the temperature is above the threshold, in response, determine that the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment and sending a signal indicative of the poor cooling environment to the display device; and if the rate of change of the temperature is not above the threshold, in response, determine that the ultrasound scanner is in the regular environment and sending a signal indicative of the regular environment to the display device; wherein the display device displays: a first user interface when the ultrasound scanner is in the regular environment, wherein the first user interface accepts inputs from a user; and a second user interface when the ultrasound scanner is in the poor cooling environment, wherein the second user interface does not accept user inputs. 